AS Queenslanders buy up for their Christmas holiday feasting, Sister of Charity Christine Henry hopes thoughts will be spared for primary producers who’ve worked to deliver the fresh foods to partymakers’ tables.
The Downs and West Community Support co-ordinator has been working hard with faith groups and schools to try to fulfil wish lists for farming families.
Throughout the year, she has delivered 321 household hampers and more than 1000 toiletry packs to rural families from the Darling Downs and Burnett north to Theodore and west to Adavale.
“We can’t bring rain but we can deliver hope,” Sr Henry said as she prepared for a women’s wellness day, a cornerstone of DWCS pastoral care.
“Women on the land don’t have the time ordinarily to go and have a cuppa and a chat with a girlfriend, to have time out.
“We in the city have so much to thank farmers for.
“The abundance and freshness of food we enjoy – as well as our clothes and housing – is thanks to primary producers sticking it out despite drought, flood and debt because they want to maintain a tradition of producing for Australians.
“If we can keep the women well, we keep the families well and intact, and that flows on to the community.”
Sr Henry, who relies on a network of rural volunteers to work with families, spends half of every month on the road in south-western Queensland.
“The social responsibility of St Vincent’s Health Australia towards DWCS is invaluable and is demonstrated through both funding and the supply of a motor vehicle which allows me to get out into the community and spend time with the families that need support during these challenging times,” she said.
“Our farming families need to know they’re remembered and appreciated – with every meal this Christmas, give thanks for the local produce.”
Donations to Downs and West Community Support, incorporated with the Sisters of Charity Community Care Ltd, are tax deductible.
For information visit the organisation’s website – www.downsandwestcommunitysupport.org or contact Sr Henry on 0414 324 682.
